What do you make of the Olympics? (From Knutsford Guardian)

What do you make of the Olympics?

8:20am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in News

THE Guardian has asked Knutsfordians and visitors to the town what they think of the Olympic Games so far.

We went out on to the streets of Knutsford on Monday to find out their thoughts on our home Olympic Games.

The games kicked off on Friday night with a glitzy – and well received – opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Over the weekend the events got underway with Knutsford rower Ric Egington performing well and making the men’s eight rowing final this morning (Wednesday).

Mark Cooper from Knutsford said he was pleasantly surprised by how well it had gone on the opening ceremony.

“My favourite was the Industrial Revolution section but I was pleasantly surprised,” he said.

“I think many of us were. Danny Boyle is very clever.

“I think London 2012 is brilliant. The regenerated area seems impressive – I used to live in London. It’s great that everyone is getting behind the Games. I just think Team GB’s progress so far and the lack of medals is a shame.”

Seb Singh from Knutsford said he could see gold for Team GB’s football team.

“I think we’ve got the right football squad to go for gold, definitely,” he said.

“I think we out-did ourselves at the ceremony. The fireworks were very impressive and definitely the best bit.

“I think the empty seats is probably down to the recession, many people can’t afford the more expensive seats.”

Richard Collantine from Bickley said he was disappointed with the amount of empty seats.

“I think it’s disappointing. It hasn’t been well handled,” he said.

“The high demand for seating wasn’t fullfilled, especially seeing as we’ll only have one chance in our lifetimes. However, I don’t think that should be allowed to overshadow the successes so far.”

Wilber and Sandra Steinke from Knutsford were impressed with the opening ceremony but not convinced by the work of LOCOG.

“It’s been badly organised,” Sandra said.

Margaret Lintew from Warrington was glowing about the opening ceremony. “I thought it was fantastic,” she said. “You really felt it, all of it; the history of our country. It was brilliant. I think Team GB’s progress so far is what we expect, but we can always hope.”

Tourists Elspeth and Paul Walker from Buxton were split on their views on the games so far.

“I avoid all things to do with the Olympics and sports in general,” Paul said. “I just enjoy the Olympics for their potential as a satirical resource.”

Elspeth added: “I thought the ring forging section was the best. The whole thing was amazing and done with really quirkiness and panache.”

l What do you think of the Olympics? Have your say at knutsfordguardian.co.uk